Here are ten small-cap, publicly traded companies that are incorporating cutting-edge AI technology into healthcare!

Ten small-cap, publicly traded companies using cutting edge Ai in to enhance healthcare!

1. iCAD Inc. (NASDAQ: ICAD)

   iCAD develops advanced AI solutions for early cancer detection and therapy. Their ProFound AI® platform assists radiologists by improving the accuracy and efficiency of breast cancer detection in mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis. The technology uses deep learning algorithms to analyze images and highlight areas of concern, aiding in clinical decision-making.

2. BioXcel Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: BTAI)

   BioXcel Therapeutics leverages artificial intelligence to identify and develop new medicines in neuroscience and immuno-oncology. Their proprietary AI platform, EvolverAI, analyzes vast datasets to discover novel drug candidates and repurpose existing drugs, accelerating the drug development process and reducing costs.

3. Predictive Oncology Inc. (NASDAQ: POAI)

   Predictive Oncology uses AI and machine learning to develop personalized cancer therapies. Their subsidiary, Helomics, utilizes a comprehensive tumor profiling platform powered by AI to predict how tumors will respond to various treatments. This approach aims to improve patient outcomes by tailoring therapies to individual tumor characteristics.

4. Lantern Pharma Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRN)

   Lantern Pharma employs AI-driven genomics and biomarker data to streamline the development of oncology drugs. Their proprietary platform, RADR® (Response Algorithm for Drug Positioning & Rescue), uses machine learning to identify patient groups most likely to benefit from specific therapies, enhancing the efficiency of clinical trials and increasing the likelihood of regulatory approval.

5. Exscientia plc (NASDAQ: EXAI)

   Exscientia is a pharmatech company specializing in AI-driven drug discovery. Their end-to-end platform integrates AI algorithms with experimental capabilities to design and optimize novel drug candidates rapidly. Exscientia has been successful in advancing multiple AI-designed molecules into clinical trials, demonstrating the potential of AI in accelerating pharmaceutical innovation.

6. Recursion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: RXRX)

   Recursion Pharmaceuticals uses AI and machine learning to accelerate drug discovery by integrating experimental biology and chemistry with advanced computational tools. Their platform rapidly identifies potential therapeutics across various disease areas, aiming to shorten the drug development timeline.

7. Renalytix plc (NASDAQ: RNLX)

   Renalytix develops AI-enabled diagnostics for kidney disease. Their KidneyIntelX™ platform uses machine learning algorithms to assess the risk of progressive decline in kidney function, aiding in early intervention and personalized treatment plans to improve patient outcomes.

8. Nanox Imaging Ltd. (NASDAQ: NNOX)

   Nanox is developing a novel digital X-ray source and AI-powered imaging systems. Their technology aims to make medical imaging more accessible and affordable globally. The integration of AI enhances image analysis, potentially enabling earlier detection of diseases.

9. Butterfly Network, Inc. (NYSE: BFLY)

   Butterfly Network has created a handheld, smartphone-connected ultrasound device powered by AI. Their Butterfly iQ+ uses AI to assist clinicians in acquiring and interpreting ultrasound images, making diagnostic imaging more accessible in various healthcare settings.

10. DarioHealth Corp. (NASDAQ: DRIO)

    DarioHealth provides digital therapeutics solutions for chronic conditions. Their AI-driven platform offers personalized health management tools for diabetes, hypertension, and weight management. By utilizing data analytics and AI, they aim to improve patient engagement and outcomes.

These companies are at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence into healthcare, aiming to improve diagnostics, personalize treatments, and accelerate drug discovery processes. Investing in these firms involves risks typical of small-cap stocks, such as higher volatility and potential liquidity issues, so thorough due diligence is recommended.

Discl: 

We own shares of only one of these companies at this writing, however, are doing more due diligence on several others!

Update: Sept 18th 2024

We now own shares of: - RXRX ICAD NNOX and BFLY

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Pfizer is actively using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance its drug development processes.

  

Pfizer has integrated AI in various stages of drug discovery and development to accelerate research and improve precision.

One of the significant AI-driven initiatives by Pfizer includes a collaboration with the Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (CeMM). This partnership has resulted in an AI and ML platform that measures how small molecules bind to human proteins, which helps identify new drug candidates more efficiently. The platform has created a catalog of interactions that can be used for further drug development efforts​ (Fierce Biotech)​.

Additionally, Pfizer has extended its collaboration with CytoReason, an Israeli startup specializing in AI-powered disease models. This partnership, renewed with a $110 million investment, aims to develop high-resolution models of various diseases to support Pfizer's research across over 20 disease areas. CytoReason’s technology helps simulate individual diseases and identify effective treatments, potentially speeding up clinical trials and reducing costs​ (Fierce Biotech)​​​.

Pfizer is also leveraging AI to improve patient stratification and target prioritization in therapeutic areas such as oncology, internal medicine, and immunology. By analyzing large datasets, including biomarker and next-generation sequencing data, Pfizer aims to better understand disease subtypes and enhance the design and success rates of its clinical trials​ (BioSpace)​.

Current Stock Performance and Forecasts

1. Stock Ratings and Price Targets:

   • The consensus rating for Pfizer (PFE) is "Buy," with an average price target of around $35.86, suggesting a potential upside of about 29% from its current price​ (MarketBeat)​. However, other sources suggest a slightly higher average price target of $40.54​ (Benzinga)​.
   • Specific targets from analysts vary, with some setting a high target of $50 and a low of $27​ (MarketBeat)​​ (Benzinga)​. (Note: Today's price is closer to $13)

2. Challenges:

   • Pfizer's stock price has significantly dropped from its pandemic highs due to declining demand for COVID-19 vaccines and legal challenges related to its vaccine claims​ (Stock Analysis)​.
   • Recent setbacks include a failed gene therapy trial and discontinuation of a weight-loss drug due to side effects, which have contributed to the stock's decline​ (InvestorPlace)​.

Potential Positives

1. Robust Product Pipeline:

   • Despite setbacks, Pfizer's pipeline remains strong with 110 assets in development and plans to add significant revenue through new drugs and acquisitions, such as the $43 billion Seagen deal expected to contribute at least $3 billion annually​ (InvestorPlace)​.

2. Financial Stability:

   • Pfizer maintains substantial liquidity with $44 billion in cash, which provides a buffer against future uncertainties and supports ongoing investments in new product development​ (InvestorPlace)​.
   • The company is focusing on high-potential markets such as obesity, where it aims to introduce new treatments despite previous challenges​ (InvestorPlace)​.

3. Dividends:

   • Pfizer continues to offer an attractive dividend yield of around 5.84%, which is appealing to income-focused investors​ (InvestorPlace)​.

Pfizer is actively using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance its drug development processes. The company has integrated AI in various stages of drug discovery and development to accelerate research and improve precision.

The largest shareholders of Pfizer include a mix of institutional investors and mutual funds. As of the latest available data, the top shareholders are typically large financial institutions and investment firms. Here are some of the largest shareholders:

1. The Vanguard Group, Inc.
2. BlackRock, Inc.
3. State Street Corporation
4. Wellington Management Group LLP
5. Geode Capital Management, LLC

These entities often hold significant shares due to their extensive portfolios and investment strategies focused on large, stable companies like Pfizer. Specific ownership percentages can fluctuate due to trading activities, so for the most accurate and up-to-date information, checking recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), such as 13F filings, would be advisable.

Overall, Pfizer’s integration of AI and ML is helping to streamline drug discovery, optimize clinical trials, and develop more effective treatments for various conditions, positioning the company at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation​ (Pfizer Investor Insights)​​ (Fierce Biotech)​​​.

Promising cancer treatments in it's pipeline coupled with a healthy financial book and future royalties positions Xencor for success!

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Acquisitions in Biotech and SynBio stocks are on the horizon again and here is one that we believe may be in the crosshairs!

 Ginkgo Bioworks operates several advanced biotechnology platforms and technologies that would be particularly attractive to an acquiring company. These include:

1. Foundry and Codebase:

   • Automated Foundry: Ginkgo's high-throughput, automated biological foundry integrates robotics, advanced software, and cutting-edge biotechnology to design, build, and test organisms at scale. This foundry enables rapid prototyping and optimization of microorganisms for various applications, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with developing new biological products.
   • Codebase: Ginkgo has built a massive repository of biological knowledge, including genetic sequences, metabolic pathways, and optimized strains. This codebase is continually expanded and leveraged to improve the efficiency and success rate of genetic engineering projects.

2. Cell Programming and Synthetic Biology:

   • Genetic Engineering: Ginkgo specializes in engineering microorganisms (such as bacteria, yeast, and fungi) to produce a wide array of products, including pharmaceuticals, biofuels, chemicals, and food ingredients. Their expertise in gene editing, metabolic engineering, and strain optimization is a core technology.
   • Synthetic Biology Tools: Ginkgo utilizes advanced synthetic biology tools, including CRISPR, gene synthesis, and genome-scale engineering, to design and construct complex genetic circuits and pathways.

3. Biomanufacturing Capabilities:

   • Scale-Up Expertise: Ginkgo's ability to scale up engineered microorganisms from lab-scale to industrial-scale production is a significant asset. Their biomanufacturing capabilities include fermentation technology, downstream processing, and production optimization.
   • Partnerships and Collaboration: Ginkgo has a track record of successful partnerships with companies across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and consumer goods. Their collaborative approach and ability to integrate their technologies with partners’ processes enhance their attractiveness to potential acquirers.

4. Data and Software Infrastructure:

   • Data Analytics and Machine Learning: Ginkgo uses sophisticated data analytics and machine learning algorithms to analyze vast amounts of biological data, identify patterns, and predict successful genetic modifications. This data-driven approach accelerates the discovery and optimization of new biological products.
   • Bioinformatics and Computational Biology: Their software infrastructure supports advanced bioinformatics and computational biology, enabling the design, simulation, and optimization of genetic constructs and metabolic pathways.

5. Platform Applications:

   • Pharmaceuticals and Therapeutics: Ginkgo's platform can be used to develop new therapeutics, including biologics, vaccines, and gene therapies. Their ability to engineer microorganisms for drug production and discovery is particularly valuable.
   • Agriculture and Food: Ginkgo's technologies are applied to create sustainable agricultural products, such as engineered microbes for crop enhancement, pest control, and soil health. Additionally, they develop fermentation-based food ingredients and alternative proteins.
   • Environmental and Industrial Applications: Ginkgo engineers microbes for environmental applications, such as bioremediation and waste treatment, as well as for the production of industrial chemicals and biofuels.

An acquiring company would likely be interested in Ginkgo Bioworks for its comprehensive suite of technologies that enable rapid and cost-effective development of biological solutions, its extensive biological codebase, its robust biomanufacturing capabilities, and its innovative use of data analytics and machine learning in synthetic biology.

In Bio Science, there is a race for better Gene sequencing and genomics technology!

Consolidation in the BioTech realm is a given going forward. Ginkgo Bioworks technology looks attractive to larger companies in the space!

Pfizer is actively using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance its drug development processes.

Update June 25th

As of June 25, 2024, Ginkgo Bioworks (NYSE: DNA) is experiencing a significant decline in its stock performance! An Ai assessment!

The Human body is highly "Adaptive" in fighting desease, and these two companies are developing technology right now to help that system fight Cancer!

 Let’s compare Adaptive BioTechnologies and Agenus Inc. in terms of how they utilize the adaptive immune system to combat cancer:

1. Adaptive BioTechnologies:

   • Immunosequencing: Adaptive BioTechnologies provides an end-to-end immunosequencing solution called Immunosequencing. 
   • 
     
   • This solution helps researchers discover the breadth and depth of the adaptive immune system. Here are some key features:
     • Quantitative Abundance Data: 
     • Immunosequencing uses a multiplex PCR-based assay that enables sequencing directly from genomic DNA. Unlike RNA-based assays, it provides precise and quantitative abundance data on cell populations.
     • 
       
     • Synthetic Immune Templates: 
     • Rigorously designed synthetic immune templates act as in-line controls, ensuring accurate, quantitative, and unbiased results.
     • 
       
     • High-Throughput Sequencing: 
     • By sequencing the CDR3 variable chain of T- and B-cell receptors, Immunosequencing captures the depth and breadth of the immune repertoire, allowing insights into disease dynamics and treatment response.
     • 
       
   • Collaborations: 
   • Adaptive BioTechnologies collaborates with companies like AstraZeneca to map the immune response to cancer antigens, potentially informing the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics.
   • 
     
   • Recent Highlights from Q1 2024
     

        -- Revenue for the first quarter of 2024 was $41.9 million. The MRD business, 
           which contributed 78% of revenue, grew 52% versus the first quarter of 
           2023. 
      
        -- clonoSEQ test volume in the first quarter of 2024 grew 41% to 17,040 
           tests delivered versus the first quarter of 2023. 
      
        -- Recognized $4.5 million within MRD revenue upon the achievement of 
           regulatory milestones from biopharmaceutical clinical studies. 
      
        -- The FDA's Oncologic Drug Advisory Committee (ODAC) voted unanimously in 
           favor of the use of MRD as a primary endpoint to support the accelerated 
           approval of new therapies for patients with multiple myeloma. 
      
        -- Following a strategic review, MRD and Immune Medicine will operate under 
           Adaptive with dedicated resources, separate segment reporting and 
           disciplined capital allocation. 
      
        -- Initiated antibody discovery campaign in Immune Medicine for multiple 
           sclerosis and type 1 diabetes to discover, make and test select 
           antibodies to generate preclinical data during 2024. 

2. Agenus Inc.:

   • Botensilimab: Agenus has developed a next-generation CTLA-4 antibody called Botensilimab. Here’s how it works:
     • Cold Tumors: 
     • Botensilimab extends the curative benefits of immunotherapy (I-O) to cold tumors that do not respond to approved immunotherapies.
     • Hot Tumors:
     •  It also expands clinical benefit in hot tumors (e.g., melanoma), where CTLA-4 is approved but shows clinical benefit in only a third of patients.
     • Improved Tolerability: 
     • Botensilimab aims to reduce or eliminate side effects that cause treatment discontinuation.
     • 
       
   • Pipeline: 
   • Agenus discovers, manufactures, and develops immuno-oncology therapeutics, including checkpoint modulators (CPMs), patient-specific anti-cancer vaccines, and adjuvants for use with various vaccines.
   • 
     
   • Recent Trials: 
   • Agenus initiated global Phase 2 trials for botensilimab in advanced MSS colorectal cancer and advanced melanoma, activating both innate and adaptive immune responses. 
   • Additionally, the combination of botensilimab and balstilimab showed unprecedented activity in microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer.

   • "The rapid and complete resolution of aggressive MSS colorectal cancer tumors observed in this study is unprecedented in the field" says the author Dr. Kasi

In summary, both companies leverage the adaptive immune system through innovative approaches to combat cancer, with Adaptive BioTechnologies focusing on immunosequencing and Agenus developing next-generation antibodies like botensilimab. 

Keep in mind that their specific strategies may vary based on their respective pipelines and collaborations.

These two small cap companies can be found on the Nasdaq under the symbols

$ADPT - $AGEN

From the "American College of Surgeons" report!

Agenus Inc. (formerly known as Agenus Therapeutics) is not claiming to be close to a cure for any form of cancer, but they are making significant strides in developing innovative cancer therapies.